Things to fill a home.

I fell in love at the thrift store today.

There was this couch. 

A brown, velvet floral couch. 

I don't think anyone else would like it, but I love it.  

A vintage sewing machine.

A floral arm chair.

A homemade Christmas ornament.

I sighed, and melted, and wanted to take it all home.

But buying furniture isn't allowed when you live in your parents house.

One day I will have a husband and a home that I can buy pretty couches for.
(I  may be more excited for the couch than the husband.)
(I said that like I have one. ohhhh geeeezzzz.)  

Until then I'll be happy to take pictures.  

Happy Wednesday.

Standing on my soap box.

Religion is such a taboo.

I don't know that there is a bigger one. 

At least for me, my religion has helped me establish guidelines and morals for most topics of discussions. Most topics that many others feel very differently about.

I avoid talking religion with those not of my faith because I get nervous of stepping on toes, hurting feelings, or leading myself into a heated discussion. 

A big part of me is saying "Rach, don't even be scared. At the end of the day God loves you so much for sharing His love and thats all that matters" but another part of me is filled with all those nervous bugs.

I always hear stories of everyone else sharing their beliefs, ideals, and truths.

Beautiful, inspirational, empowering stories.
The real truth is I have been inhibiting myself from even having the opportunity to do the same. 

I realize I do not need to go preach on a street corner, but I need to do something. 

Maybe these little posts are enough? Regardless, missionary work is going on my list of priorities.

One day I'll find the words to express all my beliefs with all of you.
Until then, you can read more about my church here.

You won't regret it.

Have a good day,

Rachel 

p.s. this is the video that inspired this post
my little heart beats for these creative, out of the box missionaries. 

Polish & Perspectives

I got a new nail polish. Its a dark periwinkle purpley sorta thing.
its also glitter for days. I love it. So much. 

p.s. obviously this cold weather is already doing a number on my hands. 

There's been a lot of things lately that make me feel like I have a new perspective.
I'm gaining more respect for myself, and everything that I am.
My sensitivity, femininity (or lack thereof), sense of humor and general opinion.
Everyday I'm learning how to better care for myself.

I'm slowly but surely realizing what is most important, and what is worth sacrificing to get it.
I'm spending more of time obtaining goals and working towards being the person I'd like to be.
A photographer, designer, future wife and mom, a disciple.

I'm getting happier all the time.
I hope your week is going great.



P.s. I finally got around to creating an etsy shop; take a look

For the beauty of the earth

Today, like 100 other people in Utah, I went on a drive up the alpine loop.
I was geeking out. The wet air, foggy skies, and colorful trees. 

Seriously. It was beautiful. Left me wildly speechless. 

It was a great way to spend my Sunday.

A great way to fill my heart with gratitude for all the work that my Heavenly Father put in to give me a beautiful place to grow, learn, and love. 

"Yea, all things which come of the earth, in the season thereof, are made for the benefit and the use or man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart;"

D&C 59:18

My heart is certainly gladdened. 

I don't know who MF and SF is, but I hope they stay in love forever. 

p.s. take a look at my photo blog: http://rachelmariesaphotography.blogspot.com/

Conference weekend

This past weekend was conference weekend.
A time when millions gather together and listen the words of a prophet.

I was lucky enough to go sing with my singles ward outside the conference center.
We sang hymn after hymn for 2 hours. My feet hurt, and my throat was sore.
But I also cried through half of it, because the spirit was so sweet.

I also got to attend the Saturday afternoon session.
There's so much I have to learn, and I'm widly excited to grow.

I also took a quick trip (seriously its a 4 minute drive) over to the draper temple. 

I'm a very lucky human. #blueskies4dayzzz

I hope you get a chance to read or listen to the words that were spoken.

Happy week friends.

Oh hey, long time no see.

It's almost been 2 months since I blogged. It feels like a life time.

I miss sharing my thoughts and connecting with blogger friends. 

So here I am to do just that. 

I'll be quick for today. Update you on all things Rachel.

I'm jump starting my life. Trying hard to be productive and get things done.

Trying hard to fill my days with things that will help me become the girl I'd like to be.

I've started doing photography on my own.
I'm working on starting an etsy print shop. 

I'm going back to school in the spring to major in visual arts and communications with an emphasis in photography.

Oh and...
I have a niece due in December, and a new dog.
(i'm super excited about both of those things)

I'm just so excited for things to be taking steps forward.

I've felt at a standstill for a really long time, and that is just not very fulfilling.

I'm a happy camper.

I'll talk to you soon, promise. :)

seriously love him.